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Editor’s note: This is a guest post from blogger Quentin Baker on behalf of Sainsbury’s Bank.
Have you had your most memorable cinema experiences away from home? Whether passing time with locals watching local films with English subtitles, or standing up for a monarchical tribute as happens in Bangkok’s bustling multiplexes, watching a film on your travels can be memorable, and a welcome break from the usual touristy activities. Perhaps you’ve found a drive-in, pop-up cinema on a roof, unusual video-art projected onto a brick wall. Being part of an audience makes for a unique adventure – so here are a few adventures to be had both at home and in other parts of the globe.
Archipelago Cinema
You may have heard of the lobster-farm-inspired floating cinema along the shoreline of Yao Noi in Thailand, where a temporary cinema was erected from recycled materials as part of the Film on the Rocks Yao Noi Film Festival. The stunning structure, nestled among towering rocks and warm waters, required audience members to take a boat to get there. You won’t be able to visit this one, however, as it’s been dismantled and donated to the village where it was built, where it will reportedly be used as a playground. However, if you are keen to watch films on the water, read on…
Darwin Sailing Cinema
Here’s a great pop-up experience that is worth catching if you’re ever in Darwin, Northern Australia – and if you go that far, don’t forget your travel insurance! The 1948 timber Danish trawler actually sails, so you’ll catch a cracking sunset out of the harbour before you relax, windswept, and watch a classic or adventurous movie. Drinks, seafood, sunset and movie anyone?
Coming soon: Marfa Drive-in
Marfa is a small town with a population of just over 2,000, in the Chihuahuan desert, West Texas. Its galleries are top-notch and its landscape has attracted film productions including There Will Be Blood and No Country for Old Men. The desert skies are the perfect canopy under which to experience the magic of film. In fact, the architects behind Archipelago Cinema recreated a classic drive-in experience here in 2006, and now a local arts organisation, Ballroom Marfa, wants to create something more permanent – the first art-house not-for-profit drive-in cinema in the United States. You can also expect free music, dance and theatre performances.
Clearview Ziegfeld Picture Palace
Yes, a palace – that’s a cinema which has capacity for more than 1,000 moviegoers. The Ziegfeld in New York is the city’s last, with its luxurious red carpets and ceiling arches. You can watch a film from the raised balcony – and no matter where you sit, you’ll get a fine view of the 52-foot screen. With state of the art digital projection, you can catch a new film and even see live screenings of major arts events such as the Metropolitan Opera.
The UK now boasts many wonderful independent cinemas, festivals, pop-ups, and unusual, memorable ways of watching film. But if you’re further afield, remember to take your travel money and stop by some of the above places. Of course, you’re likely to find favourites of your own. Let us know if you do.
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*Please remember all photos on this website, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted and property of Beers and Beans Travel Website, Nariko’ s Nest Weddings & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you do want to use one of them please contact me first because I do love to share and I would be flattered. Thanks!
